Pyrite is an iron sulfide and has an opaque, shiny, metallic luster. It is named for the Greek word pyr, or "fire," as it produces sparks when struck with steel. Pyrite has been used in jewelry and ornamentation for thousands of years. North American Indians used pyrite as amulets. Pyrite is used to foster intelligence, logic and analytical ability. All that and it also magnetic! AKA- Fool's Gold. Mohs 6.